Man Arrested After Two Backpacks Left Near Boston Marathon Finish Line on Bombing Anniversary

Man Arrested After Two Backpacks Left Near Boston Marathon Finish Line on Bombing Anniversary

by

Common Dreams staff

Police at the scene of the Marathon Finish line Tuesday night. Credit: Zeninjor Enwemeka (Boston.Com)

Boston police on Tuesday evening say they have a man in custody after he left suspicious backpacks near the finish line of the Boston Marathon on the one year anniversary of bombings that shocked the city, and the nation, one year ago today.

The area near the finish line of the Boston Marathon was evacuated Tuesday night after two unattended backpacks were left at the finish line.

One of the bags is near the photo bridge on Boylston Street. The street was shut down between Fairfield and Dartmouth streets.

WBZ-TV photographers on scene say they saw a person with the backpack screaming “Boston Strong” before police cleared everyone from the area.

Witnesses say the person was barefoot, wearing a long black veil and was acting strange. Boston Police say one man has been taken into custody.

The Bomb Squad is on scene and a robot is inspecting the bag.

Copley Station on the Green Line is closed while police investigate the bags.

One year ago, three people died, and more than 260 people were injured when two bombs exploded near the finish line of the marathon. Earlier in the day, Vice President Joe Biden joined survivors, and victim’s families for a moment of silence at 2:49 p.m., the same time the bombs exploded a year ago.

The bag was found just minutes after the Norden brothers, who are survivors of last year’s attack, completed a relay walk along the 26.2 mile course.

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